INTRODUCTION.
Diabetes mellitus is a major health problem of the 21st century.
Epidemiological data provided by the International Diabetes Federation
show that there are currently 194 million diabetes patients, 51% of the
adult population respectively, and that the number will amount to 333
million in 2025, 4,3% respectively . Aside from specialty studies on
genetic and autoimmune factors implied in the appearance of diabetes
mellitus, the recent period saw an increase of studies on environment
diabetogenic factors, the most significant of which are obesity, lack
of exercise, age, stress level and the so-called modern lifestyle.
Lately, in Europe, this has caused an ever increasing orientation
towards disease prevention measures mainly represented by lifestyle
changes (diet and exercise), aspects which are not yet developed at a
national level, since the “sports for all”
phenomenon is
still lagging behind many European countries. Recommendations published
by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists mention the
fact that walking for 40 minutes, three times a week, is sufficient to
decrease insuline sensitivity and improve glycemic control.Materials
and Methods.
16 Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus were recruited for this
study. Anthropometric parameters, biochemical parameters were
determined. Blood pressure was recorded. The anthropometric measurement
included waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI).
BMI
was computed as a ratio of weight to the square of height (kg/m2).
Waist circumference was taken at the midpoint between the lowest rib
and the iliac crest. Subjects were asked to fast for 12 h before blood
sampling, which was done between 8.00 and 9.00 a.m. The plasma glucose,
serum triglycerides, serum HDL- cholesterol were measured
enzymatically. Patients were evaluated at baseline and at 12 weeks of
nonfarmacologic treatment (the exercise intervention included walking
for 40 minutes, three times a week). Diabetes medications were adjusted
as needed throughout the program. Results.
Characteristics of patients before and after 12 weeks nonfarmacologic
treatment: